Amid China's Belligerence, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar Lands In Vietnam, Cementing Ties; To Visit Singapore Next

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Vietnam on 15 October, commencing his two-nation trip to Southeast Asia, focused on further enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and the region.

Jaishankar expressed his gratitude to Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son for the warm personal welcome he received at the renowned Tran Quoc Pagoda, where he is set to co-chair the 18th Joint Commission Meeting on the following day.

Upon arriving in Hanoi, Jaishankar visited the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda, a testament to the enduring links between India and Vietnam, symbolised by the presence of a Bodhi tree gifted by president Rajendra Prasad in 1959 to president Ho Chi Minh.

Constructed in the sixth century, the Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement, "India and Vietnam share a robust comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnam is a key member of our Act East Policy. The External Affairs Minister's visit will provide an opportunity to review progress in several areas and discuss ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation."

Jaishankar's six-day visit to Vietnam and Singapore aims to bolster cooperation in diverse areas with both these Southeast Asian nations.

During his visit to Vietnam, the External Affairs Minister is expected to co-chair the 18th meeting of the India-Vietnam Joint Commission, focusing on economic, trade, scientific, and technological cooperation with his Vietnamese counterpart, Bui Thanh Son.

The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi emphasised the significance of this visit, stating that it provides an opportunity to review progress in several areas and discuss strategies to further enhance bilateral cooperation.

Apart from official meetings, Jaishankar will engage with the Indian community and unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Ho Chi Minh City, further strengthening India's cultural ties in the region.

Following his visit to Vietnam, Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Singapore for a visit from 19 to 20 October, continuing his diplomatic engagements in Southeast Asia.

This comes after China's increasing belligerence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Apart from the creation of artificial islands in the South China Sea (SCS), China claims the entire SCS and areas within the nine-dash line as its own territory, even though the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled against these claims in 2016.

As a result, China has ongoing maritime disputes with all countries in the SCS, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Recently, China and Philippines were engaged in war of words over a atoll namely "Second Thomas Shoal", which is just 105 miles off the Philippines coast where a small number of Philippine troops are deployed.

China repeatedly blocks Philippines Navy's attempt to re-supply these troops, sometimes using its coast guard ships.

Just less than a fortnight ago, China condemned the Philippines Navy's attempt to re-supply troops on this atoll, saying that these vessels had entered the Spratly Islands without its permission.